Family Matters: 10 Things About Birth Order Traits that Will Surprise You

3. The Eternal Baby
No matter how old they are, youngest kids are always the baby of the family and, unlike those born before, the baby’s position is never usurped. They may learn to use their pampered status to avoid responsibility. And anyone who’s oldest is probably still mad that their younger siblings got away with murder.

4. Sisters & Brothers
Gender also plays a big role in birth order traits. Boys usually have more freedom than girls. Older sisters are often seen as bossy whereas older brothers are protectors or bullies.

5. Psychological Birth Order
Psychological birth order (PBO) may make more of a difference than actual birth order (ABO). PBO is what position you feel like you hold in the family. For instance, if you’re the middle but the oldest child is very shy and reserved or has some kind of disability, you may wind up stepping into the oldest role.